The 86 year old let the men into her home on Broadfield Drive after being told they had come to check their water pressure.

Police say while she was distracted they rifled through her possessions and took the money, during the incident at 6pm on Thursday.

The two men are described as white, one aged in their 20s and the other in his 30s. Both were wearing dark clothing and hats.

DS Jerry Sturgess said: “This is a despicable crime targeting an elderly and vulnerable lady in her own home. We urge anyone with any information at all please to come forward.”

Anyone with information about the burglary or about the offenders can contact Preston Police on 101 quoting log reference 1104 of November 27th.

Alternatively, they can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at Crimestoppers-uk.org. No personal details are taken, information is not traced or recorded and you will not go to court.